SC hears argument son fishing order

The Supreme Court will resume oral arguments today on the government's petition to overturn the Malabon Regional Trial Court's 2021 ruling declaring Fisheries Administrative Order 266 unconstitutional.

The hearing will focus on the legality and constitutionality of the order, which mandates fishing vessels to report their catch through a vessel monitoring system and an electronic reporting system to curb illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing.

The respondents, fishing companies Royal Fishing Corporation, Bonanza Fishing and Market Resources Inc., and RBL Fishing Corporation, have maintained that FAO 266 violates their right to privacy and unlawful searches, arguing that the mandatory installation of a VMS constitutes an unwarranted intrusion.

They also contend that the order unfairly targets commercial fishing vessels while leaving municipal fishing vessels unregulated.

The Office of the Solicitor General, representing the government, argued that FAO 266 is crucial to combatting IUUF and ensuring the sustainability of the country's fisheries.

The OSG emphasized the economic consequences of failing to implement the order, noting the potential loss of access to foreign markets and a decline in fish exports.

It asserted that the order does not violate the respondents' right to privacy, as fishing vessels have long been required to report their catch and activities to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

The Supreme Court's decision will have significant implications on the management and sustainability of the Philippines' fisheries resources.